Ever since the Occupy Wall Street movement began to gain momentum early this autumn, weve been hearing stories across the country about clashes between demonstrators and police.

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Theres a long list of cities where those confrontations have ended in violence and arrests. One of the worst cases is the UC-Davis incident, where a campus police officer pepper sprayed uncooperative, yet passive, demonstrators.

But not all confrontations have been handled so clumsily. One shining example comes from Santa Cruz. And we believe its worthwhile to offer up some kudos for the finesse shown by police and sheriffs deputies for how they handled a potentially ugly situation with Occupiers there.

Police were quick to respond on that night when dozens of wrong-minded hooligans took over that building on River Street. But police diffused the situation with a tactical withdrawal, backing off from the crowd which appeared to be hell-bent on baiting police into taking hostile action.

Yes, in the initial hours, people understandably wondered why the police didnt do more to take out these trespassers, but its now clear that behind the scenes, Chief Kevin Vogel was formulating a plan built on clear support from city leaders and the community to get the Occupiers out. The result: a neat, clean and violence-free liberation for that privately owned building. Then police shifted their focus to San Lorenzo Park.

Once again building on a measured show of police force, and backed by solid support from a community weary of the Occupiers rantings and refuse, the Occupiers and their homeless camping friends were removed swiftly, with few arrests, and no violence.

Santa Cruz has become a magnet for a small but vocal number of people who seem to think their right to protest just about anything, includes their right to steamroll over the rights of others. This myopia and fanaticism can lead to explosive situations. Santa Cruz peace officers really lived up to their title: PEACE officers! They got the Occupiers out, avoided unnecessary violence, and restored the peace. The police got it right. And for that, we can all be grateful.